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Qin S, Xie B, Wang Q, Yang R, Sun J, Hu C, Liu S, Tao Y, Xiao D. New insights into immune cells in cancer immunotherapy: from epigenetic modification, metabolic modulation to cell communication. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e551. [PMID: 38783893 PMCID: PMC11112485 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and more effective ways of attacking cancer are being sought. Cancer immunotherapy is a new and effective therapeutic method after surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Cancer immunotherapy aims to kill tumor cells by stimulating or rebuilding the body's immune system, with specific efficiency and high safety. However, only few tumor patients respond to immunotherapy and due to the complex and variable characters of cancer immune escape, the behavior and regulatory mechanisms of immune cells need to be deeply explored from more dimensions. Epigenetic modifications, metabolic modulation, and cell-to-cell communication are key factors in immune cell adaptation and response to the complex tumor microenvironment. They collectively determine the state and function of immune cells through modulating gene expression, changing in energy and nutrient demands. In addition, immune cells engage in complex communication networks with other immune components, which are mediated by exosomes, cytokines, and chemokines, and are pivotal in shaping the tumor progression and therapeutic response. Understanding the interactions and combined effects of such multidimensions mechanisms in immune cell modulation is important for revealing the mechanisms of immunotherapy failure and developing new therapeutic targets and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Qin
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Bin Xie
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Qingyi Wang
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Jingyue Sun
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Chaotao Hu
- Regenerative Medicine, Medical SchoolUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of OncologyInstitute of Medical SciencesNational Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha, Hunan, China. UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of CarcinogenesisCancer Research Institute and School of Basic MedicineCentral South universityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Desheng Xiao
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
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2
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Yoon I, Kim U, Song Y, Park T, Lee DS. 3C methods in cancer research: recent advances and future prospects. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:788-798. [PMID: 38658701 PMCID: PMC11059347 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01236-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, Hi-C technology has revolutionized cancer research by elucidating the mystery of three-dimensional chromatin organization and its role in gene regulation. This paper explored the impact of Hi-C advancements on cancer research by delving into high-resolution techniques, such as chromatin loops, structural variants, haplotype phasing, and extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA). Distant regulatory elements interact with their target genes through chromatin loops. Structural variants contribute to the development and progression of cancer. Haplotype phasing is crucial for understanding allele-specific genomic rearrangements and somatic clonal evolution in cancer. The role of ecDNA in driving oncogene amplification and drug resistance in cancer cells has also been revealed. These innovations offer a deeper understanding of cancer biology and the potential for personalized therapies. Despite these advancements, challenges, such as the accurate mapping of repetitive sequences and precise identification of structural variants, persist. Integrating Hi-C with multiomics data is key to overcoming these challenges and comprehensively understanding complex cancer genomes. Thus, Hi-C is a powerful tool for guiding precision medicine in cancer research and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Insoo Yoon
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul, 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Uijin Kim
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul, 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Yousuk Song
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul, 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Taesoo Park
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul, 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Sung Lee
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul, 02504, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Pan Z, Lu X, Xu T, Chen J, Bao L, Li Y, Gong Y, Che Y, Zou X, Tan Z, Huang P, Ge M. Epigenetic inhibition of CTCF by HN1 promotes dedifferentiation and stemness of anaplastic thyroid cancer. Cancer Lett 2024; 580:216496. [PMID: 37993084 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is one of the deadliest cancers, whose important malignant feature is dedifferentiation. Chromatin remodeling is critical for tumorigenesis and progression, while its roles and regulator in facilitating dedifferentiation of ATC had been poorly understood. In our study, an emerging function of hematological and neurological expressed 1 (HN1) in promoting dedifferentiation of ATC cells was uncovered. HN1 expression was negatively correlated with the thyroid differentiation markers both at mRNA and protein level. Knockdown of HN1 in ATC cells effectively upregulated the thyroid differentiation markers and impeded the sphere formation capacity, accompanying with the loss of cancer stemness. In contrast, overexpression of HN1 drove the gain of stemness and the loss of thyroid differentiation markers. Nude mouse and zebrafish xenograft models showed that inhibition of HN1 in ATC cells effectively hindered tumor growth due to the loss of cancer stemness. Further study showed that HN1 was negatively correlated with CTCF in an independent thyroid-cancer cohort, and inhibition of HN1 enhanced the expression of CTCF in ATC cells. Overexpression of CTCF significantly reversed the dedifferentiation phenotypes of ATC cells, whereas simultaneously inhibiting HN1 and CTCF was unable to recover the level of thyroid differentiation markers. The combination of ATAC-seq and ChIP-seq analysis confirmed that CTCF regulated genes relating with thyroid gland development through influencing their chromatin accessibility. HN1 inhibited the acetylation of H3K27 at the promoter of CTCF by recruiting HDAC2, thereby inhibiting the transcriptional activation of CTCF. These findings demonstrated an essential role of HN1 in regulating the chromatin accessibility of thyroid differentiation genes during ATC dedifferentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongfu Pan
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China; Clinical Research Center for Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xixuan Lu
- Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tong Xu
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinming Chen
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lisha Bao
- Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Li
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingying Gong
- Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yulu Che
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaozhou Zou
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China; Clinical Research Center for Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhuo Tan
- Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China; Clinical Research Center for Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China; Clinical Research Center for Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Minghua Ge
- Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China; Clinical Research Center for Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
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Llinàs-Arias P, Ensenyat-Mendez M, Íñiguez-Muñoz S, Orozco JIJ, Valdez B, Salomon MP, Matsuba C, Solivellas-Pieras M, Bedoya-López AF, Sesé B, Mezger A, Ormestad M, Unzueta F, Strand SH, Boiko AD, Hwang ES, Cortés J, DiNome ML, Esteller M, Lupien M, Marzese DM. Chromatin insulation orchestrates matrix metalloproteinase gene cluster expression reprogramming in aggressive breast cancer tumors. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:190. [PMID: 38017545 PMCID: PMC10683115 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01906-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype that exhibits a high incidence of distant metastases and lacks targeted therapeutic options. Here we explored how the epigenome contributes to matrix metalloprotease (MMP) dysregulation impacting tumor invasion, which is the first step of the metastatic process. METHODS We combined RNA expression and chromatin interaction data to identify insulator elements potentially associated with MMP gene expression and invasion. We employed CRISPR/Cas9 to disrupt the CCCTC-Binding Factor (CTCF) binding site on an insulator element downstream of the MMP8 gene (IE8) in two TNBC cellular models. We characterized these models by combining Hi-C, ATAC-seq, and RNA-seq with functional experiments to determine invasive ability. The potential of our findings to predict the progression of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), was tested in data from clinical specimens. RESULTS We explored the clinical relevance of an insulator element located within the Chr11q22.2 locus, downstream of the MMP8 gene (IE8). This regulatory element resulted in a topologically associating domain (TAD) boundary that isolated nine MMP genes into two anti-correlated expression clusters. This expression pattern was associated with worse relapse-free (HR = 1.57 [1.06 - 2.33]; p = 0.023) and overall (HR = 2.65 [1.31 - 5.37], p = 0.005) survival of TNBC patients. After CRISPR/Cas9-mediated disruption of IE8, cancer cells showed a switch in the MMP expression signature, specifically downregulating the pro-invasive MMP1 gene and upregulating the antitumorigenic MMP8 gene, resulting in reduced invasive ability and collagen degradation. We observed that the MMP expression pattern predicts DCIS that eventually progresses into invasive ductal carcinomas (AUC = 0.77, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates how the activation of an IE near the MMP8 gene determines the regional transcriptional regulation of MMP genes with opposing functional activity, ultimately influencing the invasive properties of aggressive forms of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pere Llinàs-Arias
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, 07120, Spain
| | - Miquel Ensenyat-Mendez
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, 07120, Spain
| | - Sandra Íñiguez-Muñoz
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, 07120, Spain
| | - Javier I J Orozco
- Saint John's Cancer Institute, Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Betsy Valdez
- Saint John's Cancer Institute, Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Matthew P Salomon
- Keck School of Medicine, USC Research Center for Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chikako Matsuba
- Keck School of Medicine, USC Research Center for Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Maria Solivellas-Pieras
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, 07120, Spain
| | - Andrés F Bedoya-López
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, 07120, Spain
| | - Borja Sesé
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, 07120, Spain
| | - Anja Mezger
- Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, 17665, Sweden
| | | | - Fernando Unzueta
- Advanced Optical Microscopy Facility Scientific and Technological Centres of University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Siri H Strand
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Alexander D Boiko
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - E Shelley Hwang
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Javier Cortés
- Pangaea Oncology, Quiron Group, International Breast Cancer Center (IBCC), Barcelona, 08017, Spain
- Medica Scientia Innovation Research SL (MEDSIR), Barcelona, 08018, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, 28670, Spain
| | - Maggie L DiNome
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Manel Esteller
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, 28029, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Mathieu Lupien
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Diego M Marzese
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, 07120, Spain.
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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Papp C, Mukundan VT, Jenjaroenpun P, Winnerdy FR, Ow GS, Phan AT, Kuznetsov VA. Stable bulged G-quadruplexes in the human genome: identification, experimental validation and functionalization. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:4148-4177. [PMID: 37094040 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA sequence composition determines the topology and stability of G-quadruplexes (G4s). Bulged G-quadruplex structures (G4-Bs) are a subset of G4s characterized by 3D conformations with bulges. Current search algorithms fail to capture stable G4-B, making their genome-wide study infeasible. Here, we introduced a large family of computationally defined and experimentally verified potential G4-B forming sequences (pG4-BS). We found 478 263 pG4-BS regions that do not overlap 'canonical' G4-forming sequences in the human genome and are preferentially localized in transcription regulatory regions including R-loops and open chromatin. Over 90% of protein-coding genes contain pG4-BS in their promoter or gene body. We observed generally higher pG4-BS content in R-loops and their flanks, longer genes that are associated with brain tissue, immune and developmental processes. Also, the presence of pG4-BS on both template and non-template strands in promoters is associated with oncogenesis, cardiovascular disease and stemness. Our G4-BS models predicted G4-forming ability in vitro with 91.5% accuracy. Analysis of G4-seq and CUT&Tag data strongly supports the existence of G4-BS conformations genome-wide. We reconstructed a novel G4-B 3D structure located in the E2F8 promoter. This study defines a large family of G4-like sequences, offering new insights into the essential biological functions and potential future therapeutic uses of G4-B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csaba Papp
- Department of Urology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Vineeth T Mukundan
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore
| | - Piroon Jenjaroenpun
- Division of Bioinformatics and Data Management for Research, Research Group and Research Network Division, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR Biomedical Institutes, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fernaldo Richtia Winnerdy
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore
| | - Ghim Siong Ow
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR Biomedical Institutes, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anh Tuân Phan
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore
- NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Vladimir A Kuznetsov
- Department of Urology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR Biomedical Institutes, Singapore, Singapore
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6
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Mao A, Chen C, Portillo-Ledesma S, Schlick T. Effect of Single-Residue Mutations on CTCF Binding to DNA: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076395. [PMID: 37047368 PMCID: PMC10094706 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans and other eukaryotes, DNA is condensed into chromatin fibers that are further wound into chromosomes. This organization allows regulatory elements in the genome, often distant from each other in the linear DNA, to interact and facilitate gene expression through regions known as topologically associating domains (TADs). CCCTC–binding factor (CTCF) is one of the major components of TAD formation and is responsible for recruiting a partner protein, cohesin, to perform loop extrusion and facilitate proper gene expression within TADs. Because single-residue CTCF mutations have been linked to the development of a variety of cancers in humans, we aim to better understand how these mutations affect the CTCF structure and its interaction with DNA. To this end, we compare all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of a wildtype CTCF–DNA complex to those of eight different cancer-linked CTCF mutant sequences. We find that most mutants have lower binding energies compared to the wildtype protein, leading to the formation of less stable complexes. Depending on the type and position of the mutation, this loss of stability can be attributed to major changes in the electrostatic potential, loss of hydrogen bonds between the CTCF and DNA, and/or destabilization of specific zinc fingers. Interestingly, certain mutations in specific fingers can affect the interaction with the DNA of other fingers, explaining why mere single mutations can impair CTCF function. Overall, these results shed mechanistic insights into experimental observations and further underscore CTCF’s importance in the regulation of chromatin architecture and gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Mao
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, Silver Building, New York, NY 10003, USA; (A.M.); (C.C.); (S.P.-L.)
| | - Carrie Chen
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, Silver Building, New York, NY 10003, USA; (A.M.); (C.C.); (S.P.-L.)
| | - Stephanie Portillo-Ledesma
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, Silver Building, New York, NY 10003, USA; (A.M.); (C.C.); (S.P.-L.)
| | - Tamar Schlick
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, Silver Building, New York, NY 10003, USA; (A.M.); (C.C.); (S.P.-L.)
- Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, 251 Mercer St., New York, NY 10012, USA
- New York University-East China Normal University Center for Computational Chemistry, New York University Shanghai, Shanghai 200122, China
- Simons Center for Computational Physical Chemistry, New York University, 24 Waverly Place, Silver Building, New York, NY 10003, USA
- Correspondence:
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Boschiero C, Gao Y, Baldwin RL, Ma L, Li CJ, Liu GE. Butyrate Induces Modifications of the CTCF-Binding Landscape in Cattle Cells. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091177. [PMID: 36139015 PMCID: PMC9496099 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Butyrate is produced in the rumen from microbial fermentation and is related to several functions, including cell differentiation and proliferation. Butyrate supplementation in calves can accelerate rumen development. DNA-protein interactions, such as the CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF), play essential roles in chromatin organization and gene expression regulation. Although CTCF-binding sites have been identified recently in cattle, a deeper characterization, including differentially CTCF-binding sites (DCBS), is vital for a better understanding of butyrate’s role in the chromatin landscape. This study aimed to identify CTCF-binding regions and DCBS under a butyrate-induced condition using ChIP-seq in bovine cells; 61,915 CTCF peaks were identified in the butyrate and 51,347 in the control. From these regions, 2265 DCBS were obtained for the butyrate vs. control comparison, comprising ~90% of induced sites. Most of the butyrate DCBS were in distal intergenic regions, showing a potential role as insulators. Gene ontology enrichment showed crucial terms for the induced DCBS, mainly related to cellular proliferation, cell adhesion, and growth regulation. Interestingly, the ECM-receptor interaction pathway was observed for the induced DCBS. Motif enrichment analysis further identified transcription factors, including CTCF, BORIS, TGIF2, and ZIC3. When DCBS was integrated with RNA-seq data, putative genes were identified for the repressed DCBS, including GATA4. Our study revealed promising candidate genes in bovine cells by a butyrate-induced condition that might be related to the regulation of rumen development, such as integrins, keratins, and collagens. These results provide a better understanding of the function of butyrate in cattle rumen development and chromatin landscape regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Boschiero
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Yahui Gao
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Ransom L. Baldwin
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Cong-jun Li
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
- Correspondence: (C.-j.L.); (G.E.L.); Tel.: +1-301-504-7216 (C.-j.L.); +1-301-504-9843 (G.E.L.); Fax: +1-301-504-8414 (C.-j.L. & G.E.L.)
| | - George E. Liu
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
- Correspondence: (C.-j.L.); (G.E.L.); Tel.: +1-301-504-7216 (C.-j.L.); +1-301-504-9843 (G.E.L.); Fax: +1-301-504-8414 (C.-j.L. & G.E.L.)
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8
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Boschiero C, Gao Y, Baldwin RL, Ma L, Li CJ, Liu GE. Differentially CTCF-Binding Sites in Cattle Rumen Tissue during Weaning. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169070. [PMID: 36012336 PMCID: PMC9408924 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The weaning transition in calves is characterized by major structural changes such as an increase in the rumen capacity and surface area due to diet changes. Studies evaluating rumen development in calves are vital to identify genetic mechanisms affected by weaning. This study aimed to provide a genome-wide characterization of CTCF-binding sites and differentially CTCF-binding sites (DCBS) in rumen tissue during the weaning transition of four Holstein calves to uncover regulatory elements in rumen epithelial tissue using ChIP-seq. Our study generated 67,280 CTCF peaks for the before weaning (BW) and 39,891 for after weaning (AW). Then, 7401 DCBS were identified for the AW vs. BW comparison representing 0.15% of the cattle genome, comprising ~54% of induced DCBS and ~46% of repressed DCBS. Most of the induced and repressed DCBS were in distal intergenic regions, showing a potential role as insulators. Gene ontology enrichment revealed many shared GO terms for the induced and the repressed DCBS, mainly related to cellular migration, proliferation, growth, differentiation, cellular adhesion, digestive tract morphogenesis, and response to TGFβ. In addition, shared KEGG pathways were obtained for adherens junction and focal adhesion. Interestingly, other relevant KEGG pathways were observed for the induced DCBS like gastric acid secretion, salivary secretion, bacterial invasion of epithelial cells, apelin signaling, and mucin-type O-glycan biosynthesis. IPA analysis further revealed pathways with potential roles in rumen development during weaning, including TGFβ, Integrin-linked kinase, and Integrin signaling. When DCBS were further integrated with RNA-seq data, 36 putative target genes were identified for the repressed DCBS, including KRT84, COL9A2, MATN3, TSPAN1, and AJM1. This study successfully identified DCBS in cattle rumen tissue after weaning on a genome-wide scale and revealed several candidate target genes that may have a role in rumen development, such as TGFβ, integrins, keratins, and SMADs. The information generated in this preliminary study provides new insights into bovine genome regulation and chromatin landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Boschiero
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Yahui Gao
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Ransom L. Baldwin
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Cong-jun Li
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
- Correspondence: (C.-j.L.); (G.E.L.); Tel.: +1-301-504-7216 (C.-j.L.); +1-301-504-9843 (G.E.L.); Fax: +1-301-504-8414 (C.-j.L. & G.E.L.)
| | - George E. Liu
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
- Correspondence: (C.-j.L.); (G.E.L.); Tel.: +1-301-504-7216 (C.-j.L.); +1-301-504-9843 (G.E.L.); Fax: +1-301-504-8414 (C.-j.L. & G.E.L.)
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9
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Chen R, Yang Z, Liu J, Cai X, Huo Y, Zhang Z, Li M, Chang H, Luo XJ. Functional genomic analysis delineates regulatory mechanisms of GWAS-identified bipolar disorder risk variants. Genome Med 2022; 14:53. [PMID: 35590387 PMCID: PMC9121601 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-022-01057-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified multiple risk loci for bipolar disorder (BD). However, pinpointing functional (or causal) variants in the reported risk loci and elucidating their regulatory mechanisms remain challenging. Methods We first integrated chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-Seq) data from human brain tissues (or neuronal cell lines) and position weight matrix (PWM) data to identify functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Then, we verified the regulatory effects of these transcription factor (TF) binding–disrupting SNPs (hereafter referred to as “functional SNPs”) through a series of experiments, including reporter gene assays, allele-specific expression (ASE) analysis, TF knockdown, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis. Finally, we overexpressed PACS1 (whose expression was most significantly associated with the identified functional SNPs rs10896081 and rs3862386) in mouse primary cortical neurons to investigate if PACS1 affects dendritic spine density. Results We identified 16 functional SNPs (in 9 risk loci); these functional SNPs disrupted the binding of 7 TFs, for example, CTCF and REST binding was frequently disrupted. We then identified the potential target genes whose expression in the human brain was regulated by these functional SNPs through eQTL analysis. Of note, we showed dysregulation of some target genes of the identified TF binding–disrupting SNPs in BD patients compared with controls, and overexpression of PACS1 reduced the density of dendritic spines, revealing the possible biological mechanisms of these functional SNPs in BD. Conclusions Our study identifies functional SNPs in some reported risk loci and sheds light on the regulatory mechanisms of BD risk variants. Further functional characterization and mechanistic studies of these functional SNPs and candidate genes will help to elucidate BD pathogenesis and develop new therapeutic approaches and drugs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13073-022-01057-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650204, China
| | - Zhihui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650204, China
| | - Jiewei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China
| | - Xin Cai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650204, China
| | - Yongxia Huo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China
| | - Zhijun Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China.,Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease of Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China
| | - Ming Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China.
| | - Hong Chang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China.
| | - Xiong-Jian Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China. .,Department of Neurology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China. .,Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China.
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10
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Deng S, Feng Y, Pauklin S. 3D chromatin architecture and transcription regulation in cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:49. [PMID: 35509102 PMCID: PMC9069733 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01271-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin has distinct three-dimensional (3D) architectures important in key biological processes, such as cell cycle, replication, differentiation, and transcription regulation. In turn, aberrant 3D structures play a vital role in developing abnormalities and diseases such as cancer. This review discusses key 3D chromatin structures (topologically associating domain, lamina-associated domain, and enhancer-promoter interactions) and corresponding structural protein elements mediating 3D chromatin interactions [CCCTC-binding factor, polycomb group protein, cohesin, and Brother of the Regulator of Imprinted Sites (BORIS) protein] with a highlight of their associations with cancer. We also summarise the recent development of technologies and bioinformatics approaches to study the 3D chromatin interactions in gene expression regulation, including crosslinking and proximity ligation methods in the bulk cell population (ChIA-PET and HiChIP) or single-molecule resolution (ChIA-drop), and methods other than proximity ligation, such as GAM, SPRITE, and super-resolution microscopy techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwei Deng
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Yuliang Feng
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK.
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11
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Davis L, Rayi PR, Getselter D, Kaphzan H, Elliott E. CTCF in parvalbumin-expressing neurons regulates motor, anxiety and social behavior and neuronal identity. Mol Brain 2022; 15:30. [PMID: 35379308 PMCID: PMC8981645 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-022-00916-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is a regulator of chromatin organization and has direct effects on gene transcription. Mutations in CTCF have been identified in individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions. There are wide range of behaviors associated with these mutations, including intellectual disabilities, changes in temperament, and autism. Previous mice-model studies have identified roles for CTCF in excitatory neurons in specific behaviors, particularly in regards to learning and memory. However, the role of CTCF in inhibitory neurons is less well defined. In the current study, specific knockout of CTCF in parvalbumin-expressing neurons, a subset of inhibitory neurons, induced a specific behavioral phenotype, including locomotor abnormalities, anxiolytic behavior, and a decrease in social behavior. The anxiolytic and social abnormalities are detected before the onset of locomotor abnormalities. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a disbalance in parvalbumin-expressing and somatostatin-expressing cells in these mice. Single nuclei RNA sequencing identified changes in gene expression in parvalbumin-expressing neurons that are specific to inhibitory neuronal identity and function. Electrophysiology analysis revealed an enhanced inhibitory tone in the hippocampal pyramidal neurons in knockout mice. These findings indicate that CTCF in parvalbumin-expressing neurons has a significant role in the overall phenotype of CTCF-associated neurodevelopmental deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liron Davis
- Bar Ilan University, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Hanrietta Sold 8, 13215, Safed, Israel
| | - Prudhvi Raj Rayi
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Dmitriy Getselter
- Bar Ilan University, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Hanrietta Sold 8, 13215, Safed, Israel
| | - Hanoch Kaphzan
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Evan Elliott
- Bar Ilan University, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Hanrietta Sold 8, 13215, Safed, Israel.
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12
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Villicaña S, Bell JT. Genetic impacts on DNA methylation: research findings and future perspectives. Genome Biol 2021; 22:127. [PMID: 33931130 PMCID: PMC8086086 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-021-02347-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple recent studies highlight that genetic variants can have strong impacts on a significant proportion of the human DNA methylome. Methylation quantitative trait loci, or meQTLs, allow for the exploration of biological mechanisms that underlie complex human phenotypes, with potential insights for human disease onset and progression. In this review, we summarize recent milestones in characterizing the human genetic basis of DNA methylation variation over the last decade, including heritability findings and genome-wide identification of meQTLs. We also discuss challenges in this field and future areas of research geared to generate insights into molecular processes underlying human complex traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Villicaña
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, St. Thomas’ Hospital, King’s College London, 3rd Floor, South Wing, Block D, London, SE1 7EH UK
| | - Jordana T. Bell
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, St. Thomas’ Hospital, King’s College London, 3rd Floor, South Wing, Block D, London, SE1 7EH UK
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13
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Liu C, Deng L, Lin J, Zhang J, Huang S, Zhao J, Jin P, Xu P, Ni P, Xu D, Ying L, Hu Y. Zinc Finger Protein CTCF Regulates Extracellular Matrix (ECM)-Related Gene Expression Associated With the Wnt Signaling Pathway in Gastric Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 10:625633. [PMID: 33665169 PMCID: PMC7921701 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.625633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC), a leading cause of cancer-related death, is a heterogeneous disease. We aim to describe clinically relevant molecular classifications of GC that incorporate heterogeneity and provide useful clinical information. We combined different gene expression datasets and filtered a 7-gene signature related to the extracellular matrix (ECM), which also exhibited significant prognostic value in GC patients. Interestingly, putative CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) regulatory elements were identified within the promoters of these ECM-related genes and were confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-Seq). CTCF binding sites also overlapped with histone activation markers, indicating direct regulation. In addition, CTCF was also correlated with the Wnt signaling pathway. A comparison of human GC cell lines with high or low expression of ECM-related genes revealed different levels of tumor aggressiveness, suggesting the cancer development-promoting functions of ECM-related genes. Furthermore, CTCF regulated COL1A1 and COLA31 expression in vitro. Silencing CTCF or COL1A1/COL1A3 markedly inhibited cell growth and migration in the metastatic GC cell line BGC823. Collectively, this ECM-related 7-gene signature provides a novel insight for survival prediction among GC patients. The zinc finger protein CTCF regulates ECM-related genes, thereby promoting GC cell growth and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenbin Liu
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Linyi Deng
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinrong Lin
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu Huang
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinglin Zhao
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peipei Jin
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peiqing Xu
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peihua Ni
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dakang Xu
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Le Ying
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Yiqun Hu
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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14
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Lehman BJ, Lopez-Diaz FJ, Santisakultarm TP, Fang L, Shokhirev MN, Diffenderfer KE, Manor U, Emerson BM. Dynamic regulation of CTCF stability and sub-nuclear localization in response to stress. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009277. [PMID: 33411704 PMCID: PMC7790283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The nuclear protein CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) has diverse roles in chromatin architecture and gene regulation. Functionally, CTCF associates with thousands of genomic sites and interacts with proteins, such as cohesin, or non-coding RNAs to facilitate specific transcriptional programming. In this study, we examined CTCF during the cellular stress response in human primary cells using immune-blotting, quantitative real time-PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequence (ChIP-seq) analysis, mass spectrometry, RNA immunoprecipitation-sequence analysis (RIP-seq), and Airyscan confocal microscopy. Unexpectedly, we found that CTCF is exquisitely sensitive to diverse forms of stress in normal patient-derived human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs). In HMECs, a subset of CTCF protein forms complexes that localize to Serine/arginine-rich splicing factor (SC-35)-containing nuclear speckles. Upon stress, this species of CTCF protein is rapidly downregulated by changes in protein stability, resulting in loss of CTCF from SC-35 nuclear speckles and changes in CTCF-RNA interactions. Our ChIP-seq analysis indicated that CTCF binding to genomic DNA is largely unchanged. Restoration of the stress-sensitive pool of CTCF protein abundance and re-localization to nuclear speckles can be achieved by inhibition of proteasome-mediated degradation. Surprisingly, we observed the same characteristics of the stress response during neuronal differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). CTCF forms stress-sensitive complexes that localize to SC-35 nuclear speckles during a specific stage of neuronal commitment/development but not in differentiated neurons. We speculate that these particular CTCF complexes serve a role in RNA processing that may be intimately linked with specific genes in the vicinity of nuclear speckles, potentially to maintain cells in a certain differentiation state, that is dynamically regulated by environmental signals. The stress-regulated activity of CTCF is uncoupled in persistently stressed, epigenetically re-programmed "variant" HMECs and certain cancer cell lines. These results reveal new insights into CTCF function in cell differentiation and the stress-response with implications for oxidative damage-induced cancer initiation and neuro-degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina J. Lehman
- Regulatory Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Fernando J. Lopez-Diaz
- Regulatory Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Thom P. Santisakultarm
- Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Center, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Linjing Fang
- Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Center, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Maxim N. Shokhirev
- Razavi Newman Integrative Genomics and Bioinformatics Core, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Kenneth E. Diffenderfer
- Stem Cell Core, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Uri Manor
- Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Center, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Beverly M. Emerson
- Regulatory Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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15
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Chen L, Gu X, Huang X, Liu R, Li J, Hu Y, Li G, Zeng T, Tian Y, Hu X, Lu L, Li N. Two cis-regulatory SNPs upstream of ABCG2 synergistically cause the blue eggshell phenotype in the duck. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1009119. [PMID: 33186356 PMCID: PMC7688135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Avian eggshell color is an interesting genetic trait. Here, we report that the blue eggshell color of the domestic duck is caused by two cis-regulatory G to A transitions upstream of ABCG2, which encodes an efflux transporter. The juxtaposed blue eggshell allele A-A exhibited higher promoter activity and stronger nuclear protein binding capacity than the white eggshell allele G-G. Transcription factor analysis suggested differential binding capability of CTCF between blue eggshell and white eggshell alleles. Knockdown of CTCF expression significantly decreased the promoter activity of the blue eggshell but not the white eggshell allele. DNA methylation analysis revealed similar high methylation of the region upstream of the CTCF binding sites in both blue-eggshelled and white-eggshelled ducks. However, DNA methylation levels downstream of the binding sites were decreased and 35% lower in blue-eggshelled ducks than in white-eggshelled ducks. Consistent with the in vitro regulatory pattern of causative sites, ABCG2 exhibited higher expression in uteruses of blue-eggshelled ducks and also showed polarized distribution in their endometrial epithelial cells, distributing at the apical surface of endometrial epithelial cells and with orientation toward the uterine cavity, where the eggshell is pigmented. In conclusion, our results suggest that two cis-regulatory SNPs upstream of ABCG2 are the causative mutations for blue eggshells in ducks. The blue eggshell variant up-regulated ABCG2 expression through recruiting CTCF binding, which may function as a barrier element to shield the downstream region from high methylation levels present upstream. ABCG2 was identified as the only candidate causative gene for blue eggshells; it may function as an efflux transporter of biliverdin to the uterine cavity. Avian eggshell color is an interesting genetic trait that has been related to numerous interesting biological functions, such as crypsis, mimicry, and protection from ultraviolet radiation. In ducks, blue eggshells are a dominant Mendelian trait. The color is preferred by customers and has become one of the main breeding targets in laying ducks in China. In this study, we identified that duck blue eggshells are likely caused by two cis-regulatory variations that synergistically up-regulate ABCG2 expression in the uterus. ABCG2 was identified as the only candidate causative gene for blue eggshell; it may function as an efflux transporter of biliverdin to the uterine cavity, where the eggshell is pigmented. Our study provides useful molecular markers for breeding of blue-eggshelled ducks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaorong Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuetao Huang
- Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rui Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinxiu Li
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiqing Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Guoqin Li
- Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tao Zeng
- Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong Tian
- Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (XH); (LL); (NL)
| | - Lizhi Lu
- Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (XH); (LL); (NL)
| | - Ning Li
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (XH); (LL); (NL)
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16
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Saberiyan M, Mirfakhraie R, Gholami D, Dehdehi L, Teimori H. Investigating the regulatory function of the ANO1-AS2 on the ANO1 gene in infertile men with asthenozoospermia and terato-asthenozoospermia. Exp Mol Pathol 2020; 117:104528. [PMID: 32916161 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2020.104528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have a particular expression in the testicular tissue and exhibit a regulatory function on the reproduction system. ANO1-AS2 (linc02584), as an lncRNA is located near the anoctamin1 (ANO1) gene. ANO1 is an important component of the transmembrane system exhibiting expression modifications in the idiopathic infertile men. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between ANO1-AS2 and ANO1 gene expression with sperm motility and morphology in the patients with asthenozoospermia (AZ) and terato- asthenozoospermia (TAZ). The study population included 32 patients with AZ, 35 patients with TAZ, and 34 people with normozoospermia (NZ, control). The expression levels of ANO1 gene and ANO1-AS2 in the spermatozoa were measured by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Docking analysis was performed to investigate the interactions of the ANO1 gene promoter and intermediate elements with ANO1-AS2. ANO1 gene expression was significantly (P < 0.05) downregulated in the patients however; ANO1-AS2 expression was significantly upregulated (P < 0.05). The subsequent analysis confirmed the inverse correlation between ANO1 and ANO1-AS2. ANO1 gene expression level was significantly positively correlated with sperm motility and morphology (P < 0.05). Moreover, ANO1-AS2 expression showed an inverse correlation with sperm motility and morphology (P < 0.05). Docking analysis confirmed that ANO1-AS2 could stably interact with ANO1 gene promoter. In conclusion, ANO1-AS2 is likely to downregulate the ANO1 gene by interacting with ANO1 gene promoter, which can influence the sperm motility and morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadreza Saberiyan
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Reza Mirfakhraie
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Delnya Gholami
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Leila Dehdehi
- Clinical Research Developmental Unit, Hajar Hospital, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hossein Teimori
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
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17
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RXRs control serous macrophage neonatal expansion and identity and contribute to ovarian cancer progression. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1655. [PMID: 32246014 PMCID: PMC7125161 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15371-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue-resident macrophages (TRMs) populate all tissues and play key roles in homeostasis, immunity and repair. TRMs express a molecular program that is mostly shaped by tissue cues. However, TRM identity and the mechanisms that maintain TRMs in tissues remain poorly understood. We recently found that serous-cavity TRMs (LPMs) are highly enriched in RXR transcripts and RXR-response elements. Here, we show that RXRs control mouse serous-macrophage identity by regulating chromatin accessibility and the transcriptional regulation of canonical macrophage genes. RXR deficiency impairs neonatal expansion of the LPM pool and reduces the survival of adult LPMs through excess lipid accumulation. We also find that peritoneal LPMs infiltrate early ovarian tumours and that RXR deletion diminishes LPM accumulation in tumours and strongly reduces ovarian tumour progression in mice. Our study reveals that RXR signalling controls the maintenance of the serous macrophage pool and that targeting peritoneal LPMs may improve ovarian cancer outcomes. Macrophages can differentiate to perform homeostatic tissue-specific functions. Here the authors show that RXR signalling is critical for large peritoneal macrophage (LPM) expansion during neonatal life and LPM lipid metabolism and survival during adult homeostasis, and that ovarian cancer growth relies on RXR-dependent LPMs.
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18
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Song H, Li D, Wang X, Fang E, Yang F, Hu A, Wang J, Guo Y, Liu Y, Li H, Chen Y, Huang K, Zheng L, Tong Q. HNF4A-AS1/hnRNPU/CTCF axis as a therapeutic target for aerobic glycolysis and neuroblastoma progression. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:24. [PMID: 32216806 PMCID: PMC7098112 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00857-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aerobic glycolysis is a hallmark of metabolic reprogramming that contributes to tumor progression. However, the mechanisms regulating expression of glycolytic genes in neuroblastoma (NB), the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood, still remain elusive. METHODS Crucial transcriptional regulators and their downstream glycolytic genes were identified by integrative analysis of a publicly available expression profiling dataset. In vitro and in vivo assays were undertaken to explore the biological effects and underlying mechanisms of transcriptional regulators in NB cells. Survival analysis was performed by using Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. RESULTS Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4A) and its derived long noncoding RNA (HNF4A-AS1) promoted aerobic glycolysis and NB progression. Gain- and loss-of-function studies indicated that HNF4A and HNF4A-AS1 facilitated the glycolysis process, glucose uptake, lactate production, and ATP levels of NB cells. Mechanistically, transcription factor HNF4A increased the expression of hexokinase 2 (HK2) and solute carrier family 2 member 1 (SLC2A1), while HNF4A-AS1 bound to heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U (hnRNPU) to facilitate its interaction with CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF), resulting in transactivation of CTCF and transcriptional alteration of HNF4A and other genes associated with tumor progression. Administration of a small peptide blocking HNF4A-AS1-hnRNPU interaction or lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA targeting HNF4A-AS1 significantly suppressed aerobic glycolysis, tumorigenesis, and aggressiveness of NB cells. In clinical NB cases, high expression of HNF4A-AS1, hnRNPU, CTCF, or HNF4A was associated with poor survival of patients. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that therapeutic targeting of HNF4A-AS1/hnRNPU/CTCF axis inhibits aerobic glycolysis and NB progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajie Song
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022 Hubei Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022 Hubei Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Clinical Center of Human Genomic Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022 Hubei Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Erhu Fang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022 Hubei Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Feng Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022 Hubei Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Anpei Hu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022 Hubei Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianqun Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022 Hubei Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanhua Guo
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022 Hubei Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022 Hubei Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongjun Li
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022 Hubei Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Yajun Chen
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022 Hubei Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Kai Huang
- Clinical Center of Human Genomic Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022 Hubei Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Liduan Zheng
- Clinical Center of Human Genomic Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022 Hubei Province People’s Republic of China
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022 Hubei Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiangsong Tong
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022 Hubei Province People’s Republic of China
- Clinical Center of Human Genomic Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022 Hubei Province People’s Republic of China
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Martínez-Cano J, Campos-Sánchez E, Cobaleda C. Epigenetic Priming in Immunodeficiencies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:125. [PMID: 31355198 PMCID: PMC6635466 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunodeficiencies (IDs) are disorders of the immune system that increase susceptibility to infections and cancer, and are therefore associated with elevated morbidity and mortality. IDs can be primary (not caused by other condition or exposure) or secondary due to the exposure to different agents (infections, chemicals, aging, etc.). Most primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are of genetic origin, caused by mutations affecting genes with key roles in the development or function of the cells of the immune system. A large percentage of PIDs are associated with a defective development and/or function of lymphocytes and, especially, B cells, the ones in charge of generating the different types of antibodies. B-cell development is a tightly regulated process in which many different factors participate. Among the regulators of B-cell differentiation, a correct epigenetic control of cellular identity is essential for normal cell function. With the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques, more and more alterations in different types of epigenetic regulators are being described at the root of PIDs, both in humans and in animal models. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly clear that epigenetic alterations triggered by the exposure to environmental agents have a key role in the development of secondary immunodeficiencies (SIDs). Due to their largely reversible nature, epigenetic modifications are quickly becoming key therapeutic targets in other diseases where their contribution has been known for more time, like cancer. Here, we establish a parallelism between IDs and the nowadays accepted role of epigenetics in cancer initiation and progression, and propose that epigenetics forms a "third axis" (together with genetics and external agents) to be considered in the etiology of IDs, and linking PIDs and SIDs at the molecular level. We therefore postulate that IDs arise due to a variable contribution of (i) genetic, (ii) environmental, and (iii) epigenetic causes, which in fact form a continuum landscape of all possible combinations of these factors. Additionally, this implies the possibility of a fully epigenetically triggered mechanism for some IDs. This concept would have important prophylactic and translational implications, and would also imply a more blurred frontier between primary and secondary immunodeficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Martínez-Cano
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas -Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Campos-Sánchez
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas -Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
| | - César Cobaleda
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas -Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
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Definition of clinical gene tests. Cell Biol Toxicol 2019; 35:83-87. [DOI: 10.1007/s10565-019-09464-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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